TAMPA, Fla. — USF announced the original voice of USF football will be retiring after over a 43-year career with the university.
The University of South Florida said Jim Louk, known as "the voice of the Bulls," has announced his retirement.
“Professionally, this is probably a really dumb decision," Louk said. "I know, no matter what happens, I’m going to miss some really cool things in the next couple of years here.”
WATCH: The only play-by-play announcer in USF football's history to retire at end of 2025 season
Louk has been with the university since 1983 and started calling games for USF basketball. He then became the first and only play-by-play announcer when the USF began playing football in 1997.
“For me personally, it’s the right time. When you’ve done something for this long, no matter how wonderful it is, you do get to the point where you start thinking, what haven’t I done in my life that I still want to do?" Louk added. "Who in my life is not getting the proper attention and time from me that they deserve? When you think about it in those terms, it becomes an easier decision.”
USF said Louk has called over 3,000 in his 43-year career, including all 341 USF football games. As for a favorite game or a favorite call, Louk can't pick just one.
“Probably the ones you’d expect. The inaugural game and everything that led up to it, it the most special, the big upsets obviously, Notre Dame, and Pittsburgh, Florida State and Miami, all great games," Louk told Tampa Bay 28 sports anchor Kyle Burger. "I just really enjoy and value the day-to-day, to be able to do this for this long is such a privilege.”
He will retire at the end of the 2025 season, but USF said he will make occasional appearances on radio broadcasts and at other events.
USF men's basketball play-by-play announcer Jim Lighthall will take over Louk's football play-by-play beginning in the 2026 season.
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